By Sunny Andrea
Our stay at Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum was an absolute delight from start to finish, and it’s one we’ll be thinking about for a long time.
The Forum hotel is perfectly situated a stones throw away from the town centre and walking distance to the famous docks and Gloucester Quays. The hotel is very new and as soon as you walk in, you are hit with a gorgeous smelling aroma and very friendly staff.
The room we stayed in was a suite, it was simply beautiful — spacious, calming, and finished to a really high standard. It felt more like a stylish apartment than a hotel room, with plenty of room to relax and unwind. The king size bed was incredibly comfortable with a great topper and thick and warm duvet. The seating area perfect for putting your feet up, and the overall atmosphere made it so easy to switch off and enjoy the moment. It was one of those spaces you genuinely look forward to returning to after being out. The television was absolutely huge and the room was very bright and airy with a walk in shower and super thick and soft towels, robes and slippers. Being a coffee fan, the room did not disappoint as it came with a Nespresso machine and pods, there was also a lovely selection of teas and biscuits on hand.
Breakfast at The Forum Hotel Gloucester was simple and well prepared, with a good mix of hot and cold options. The hot selection included items like eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, and hash browns and mushrooms, all kept warm and served by lovely staff.
There was a buffet with a range of cold items. You could choose from cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, fresh pastries, and toast with spreads. Tea, coffee, and juices were available to go alongside everything. The kiwi smoothie was delicious but the flavours vary depending on when you visit.
The scrambled eggs were cooked to perfection, so creamy and tasty and the breakfast had plenty of choice, definitely offering something for everyone.
One of the highlights of our stay was dining at the West Window Restaurant. We had dinner there, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The menu offered a great mix of comforting classics and lighter options, and everything we ordered was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully prepared.
For dinner, we enjoyed a mix of dishes that really hit the spot. The beer-battered haddock was a standout — perfectly crisp on the outside with soft, flaky fish inside, exactly how it should be. I added some lemon on top the fish and it was paired with tartare sauce, chunky chips and mushy peas.
Another delicious favourite dish was the recommended Yarlington cheesy golden beet & bean pie, and honestly, it was very tasty! The filling was creamy, rich and comforting, with that gentle sweetness from the beets wrapped in a creamy, cheesy warmth that just worked.
The pie was paired with creamed potatoes that were so smooth and indulgent, soaking up that deep, rich gravy.
The Tenderstem broccoli was perfectly cooked, still vibrant, adding a fresh bite that balanced the whole dish beautifully.
If you are dining with children, there is also a wonderful kids menu on hand with a nice selection of starts, mains and deserts.
Lighter bites offered from Terrae, a grab and go style cafe, but where the hotel bar menu included the croque madame on white bloomer. This was indulgent and satisfying, with rich flavours that made it feel like a proper treat. The fish finger sandwich was another favourite — simple but with quality ingredients that really made a difference.
The drinks complemented everything nicely too, and a recommended cocktail was The Cathedral.
Overall, we genuinely loved both our stay and the dining experiences. From the comfort of the suite, to the quality of the food and the welcoming feel of the restaurant, everything came together perfectly. It felt like a real treat, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return. The menu was extensive and certainly something for all tastes and just the overall ambiance and design, it was spot on! There is also a lot of history surrounding the hotel and Gloucester itself, so definitely worth a visit!
A truly lovely experience all round and where we will certainly miss this hotel and everything that comes with it.
For more on Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum, do checkout their website at www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/gloucester/glosr/hoteldetail